Our network includes four hospitals, six outpatient centers, two cancer centers and 700 physicians at more than 160 affiliated locations stretching from Alleghany Highlands and Rockbridge County to the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

Finding the right doctor is an important first step in managing your health and planning for your future. At LewisGale, you can choose from among the most experienced and highly trained physicians in their fields. We can help you make the best choice.

You Don't Have to Live With Persistent Pain

Although many people experience more pain with age, it is not a normal part of life. Here are some tips for identifying your pain and working with your doctor to manage it.

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has guidelines on explaining and managing persistent pain. This term refers to pain or discomfort that continues for an extended period of time. Pain may come and go for months or years. Persistent pain can lead to further problems including
depression
, social isolation, disability, difficulty walking, falls, sleep problems, and diminished appetite. However, there are ways you can reduce this pain.

Identifying Your Pain

The first step is to keep track of your pain and tell your doctor about it. Keep a diary of your pain that includes information, such as:

Where it hurts

How often it hurts

How much it hurts

What the pain feels like, for example:

Burning pain

Sharp or dull pain

Achy pain

Pins and needles

"Shooting" through the body

What makes the pain go away

What causes the pain to worsen

What were you doing when the pain started

How long the pain lasted

Pattern of pain (does it fluctuate or is it constant)

What medications or treatments have been tried, how well they have worked, and what side effects (if any) they may have caused

In your diary, use a scale of 1-10 to rate the severity of pain, as well as recording the pertinent information listed above. You should bring this diary to all your medical appointments. This information will help determine the best way to manage your pain.

Understanding Pain Medications

Many medications are available to help treat pain, these include over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription pain medications.

Over-the-counter Pain Relievers

If you have mild to moderate pain that lasts for only a few days, over-the-counter products are both safe and helpful for most people. However, if your pain is severe or lasts longer than a few days, you might need a prescription drug for relief.

There are two main categories of over-the-counter pain relievers:

Acetaminophen
—This drug can be very helpful for mild to moderate pain caused by musculoskeletal conditions, such as
osteoarthritis
or
low back pain
. If you need to take acetaminophen for more than a few days at a time, tell your doctor.
Also, never take more than the recommended dose, as there is a risk of serious liver damage with overuse of acetaminophen.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
—NSAIDs may be more effective for inflammatory pain, such as that associated with rheumatoid arthritis. While generally available without a prescription, these drugs should be taken only after discussion with your doctor. They tend to have more side effects (like gastrointestinal problems) and may also affect medical conditions (like cardiovascular disease) and interact with prescription drugs. Side effects may be more pronounced in older people. Tell your doctor about your use of these drugs and all other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs include:

Aspirin

Ibuprofen

Naproxen

COX-2 inhibitors

Prescription Pain Medications

The action of these drugs is similar to that of over-the-counter NSAIDs, but is more selective. They are often more expensive than other NSAIDs but may have lower stomach side effects than other NSAIDs.

Opioid Medications

Opioids may be preferred for older people who are at greater risk of problems that can be caused by NSAIDs. These are drugs that work on the central nervous system to relieve pain. Examples of mild opioids include hydrocodone and codeine. Strong opioids include morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl. There is some concern that
opioids
are addicting. However, the AGS points out that addiction to opioid pain medications is rare in older adults who have no current or past history of substance abuse, and this concern should not prevent people and their doctors from trying this option for pain relief. If your doctor is considering prescribing opioids to treat your chronic pain, they will use screening tests and questionnaires to determine if you are at risk for addiction.

It is important to know that if you are taking an opioid drug, you should not stop it abruptly. This can cause unpleasant symptoms.

Other Medications

Depending on the cause of your pain, your doctor may prescribe one of these other types of drugs alone or with pain medications to help ease your discomfort:

Antidepressants

Anticonvulsants

Local anesthetics

Side Effects

Be alert for side effects and tell your doctor about them; there may be better options for you. Some possible side effects include:

Even if these methods do not resolve all of your pain, you may be able to reduce your pain to a more manageable level. The most important thing is to know that you do not have to suffer. Work with your doctor to find some relief.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.